Field Nnewi North candidates for Anambra by-election, group tells parties

The Coalition of Anambra South Progressives has urged political parties such as the All Progressives Grand Alliance, All Progressives Congress, Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party as well as other political parties intending to participate in the Anambra South Senatorial by-election to field candidates from Nnewi North Local Government Area, for the sake of equity.

The senatorial seat became vacant following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, in July 2024 and as a result, the members of the coalition, lamented that the zone has been left without a representation for close to eight months running.

Speaking during a press conference in Awka on Monday, the leader of the Coalition, Mr Obi Chukwuemeka, also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to quickly begin the process for the replacement of the late senator, giving the commission two months to conduct the by-election as approved by the Senate.

Chukwuemeka pointed out that the senatorial zone has been denied infrastructural development and constituency allowance for about eight months, since the death of Ubah.

He said, “We gather here today to advocate for a fundamental principle of democracy: equity and fairness. As you may be aware, the Anambra South Senatorial District has been without representation in the National Assembly for some time now due to the unfortunate passing of our indefatigable senator, the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

“This void has left our people without a voice in the highest legislative body in the land. It is imperative that we take immediate action to address this anomaly—not just addressing the anomaly but doing so in such a manner that the status quo is maintained and justice is seen to have been done.

“We call on INEC to set the stage by fixing a date for the immediate conduct of a credible by-election to fill the void. Our constitution does not envisage a situation whereby a constituency is left without representation. It has been more than seven months since the death of our dear Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, and in all this time, Anambra South has been denied the right to have a say in various governance issues affecting the federation.

“In a similar vein, we want to seize this opportunity to entreat all political parties to field candidates for the forthcoming Anambra South senatorial by-election from Nnewi North LGA whenever INEC declares the contest open.

“This is not just a matter of political expediency; it is a matter of equity, fairness, and closure. We believe that the people of Anambra South deserve to have options and to exercise their democratic right to choose their representative.”

According to the group, fielding candidates from Nnewi will be a show of solidarity with the people of Nnewi North, whose son died in active service, adding, “We are of the opinion that political parties need to be empathetic before thinking of political expediency, and there is no better time for political parties to prove these empathetic considerations than with the Anambra South senatorial by-election.

“We call on the APGA, APC, PDP, Labour Party, and every other political party desirous of producing a candidate for the by-election to see it as a call to duty and selfless service. For the camaraderie and brotherhood existing in Anambra South to be upheld, all parties must ensure that their candidates come from Nnewi North in this election.

“When we went to the polls in 2023, many voters cast their votes for Senator Ifeanyi Ubah on the strength that it was necessary for Nnewi North to do a second term. It is necessary that we continue to respect that opinion and also ensure that the political terms of each zone within Anambra South are respected and do not become subject to controversy in the future.

“Thus, reserving the position for Nnewi North will enrich the process rather than diminish it by limiting the quality of candidates.

“Infrastructure is decaying in Anambra South while our youths and women yearn for empowerment, but because we do not have a representative in the Senate, we have no means to access what is due to us.”

Speaking further, Chukwuemeka lamented that the 2025 federal budget has been passed, but the absence of a representative has robbed the zone of its constituency allowance.

“By fielding candidates from Nnewi, political parties can demonstrate their commitment to equity and fairness. This would also allow the Nnewi people to serve out their turn, bringing a sense of closure and representation to the community. We call on all political parties to consider this request and take the necessary steps to ensure that the Nnewi people are given the opportunity to fill the vacant seat,” he added.

The coalition comprises members from APGA, APC, PDP and LP.